<p>My S went to the eye doctor yesterday and the doctor told us one of his eyes is higher than the other. He said a normal measurement is “zero”, but up to a “2” can be in the normal range. My S is at a “6”, so it’s apparently significant. You might expect to have double vision at this measurement, to my understanding, but my S does not have any vision problems.</p>
<p>Doctor said sometimes if the thyroid is not functioning correctly (hypo or hyper thyroidism) then it can affect the muscles/tissues around the eyes, which can cause his type of problem. I have a thyroid disease and my H takes a supplement as his thyroid levels are low, so there is family history.</p>
<p>We have made an appointment to have his thyroid levels checked. If that’s normal then we’ll just watch the eye for changes.</p>
<p>Has anyone ever heard of this? Any info anyone has would be much appreciated.</p>
<p>Interesting. Just yesterday I saw a professional photo I had done of myself for work, and noticed this very obvious difference in my eyes (not sure if it’s just size or if one is higher than the other). But it’s very visible! I have a non-functioning thyroid (though I assume in check).</p>
<p>Not to scare you but I recently read an article about a young woman who bought a new pair of glasses, her eyelashes started brushing the lens on one side, she at first thought it was a problem with the glasses but it turned out she had a tumor that pushing her eye out. It was caught and operated in and she is fine but I wanted to make the point that it’s good that this is being noticed and monitored.</p>
<p>He is 18. I think he’s been done growing for a year now.</p>
<p>I haven’t been able to spend a lot of time, but I can’t seem to find anything on the internet about it. Wonder if it would be worth seeing an opthamologist about.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone! You guys always come through with helpful thoughts/info.</p>
<p>I knew some wonderful CCers would be able to help :)</p>
<p>Since he isn’t having any double vision at this point, it’s probably not a big deal. Will be interesting to see what his doctor recommends and the results of the blood work. I’ll keep you posted after our appointment next Monday.</p>
<p>I would definitely take him to an opthalmologist. There are two flavors, as I understand it. One variety specializes in contact lenses, etc., and the other specializes in diseases of the eye. You want the second kind. There is probably nothing seriously wrong, but you should make sure that he is checked thoroughly.</p>
<p>I think that NYMom is trying to make the distinction between an optometrist who is basically an eyeglass prescriber and is not an MD and an ophthalmologist. Optometrists perform eye exams and screen for conditions such as glaucoma, but cannot treat everything. Generally if an optometrist diagnoses a medical problem they will refer to an ophthalmologist, who is an MD. There are “flavors” of ophthalmologists - specialties include strabismus, retina, cornea, neurological problems, and pediatrics.</p>
<p>The OP should definitely take her son to an ophthalmologist - not having double vision does not mean that it’s not a big deal. Changes like this can be insignificant or can be signs of serious problems.</p>
<p>When I read the OP, I assumed when the student had been to the “eye doctor” that he had been seen by an ophthalmologist. If he was seen only my an optometrist, then absolutely get him to an ophthalmologist ASAP. It most likely is nothing, but you want to know for sure. </p>
<p>I see you have an appointment with his physician and that is great, but still make an appointment with an ophthalmologist. Just because his bloodwork and exam are normal does not mean there still is not an eye problem.</p>
<p>Years ago my neighbor’s little boy - who is 20 something by now, had surgery done at Wills Eye Hospital for hypertropia.
He was about 4-5 years old and his head would actually tilt.</p>
<p>I would go with an opthamologist. They are MD’s and can order bloodwork and other tests as well if they are needed. If you take him to an opthamologist find one that specializes in Adult Strabismus.</p>